Elderly patients could be treated at home rather than in hospital, amid concerns that they are routinely neglected on NHS wards.

Health Secretary Andrew Lansley says doctors should admit only the most seriously ill patients who would benefit from the highest levels of care.

But his proposals come just a day after a damning report revealed thousands of elderly people are being abused and neglected by carers in their own homes.

Home healthcare: The proposals come amid fears that elderly people routinely ignored on NHS wards

Mr Lansley’s plans will be unveiled today as part of the NHS’s Operating Framework, which sets out the Government’s plans for the health service for the next 12 months.

He has promised to make the elderly the NHS’s utmost priority following a series of reports exposing harrowing neglect in hospitals. Last month a study by the Care Quality Commission revealed a fifth of NHS trusts were treating older patients so appallingly they were breaking the law.

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Half of these hospitals were not meeting basic nutritional standards, with staff not doing enough to ensure the elderly did not go hungry or thirsty.

The plans will also focus on dementia patients, amid fears that they are often neglected by nurses who do not realise the illness can leave them incapable of eating, drinking or going to the toilet.

Promises: Mr Lansley's plans will be unveiled as part of the NHS's Operating Framework, which sets out the Government's plans for the health service for the next 12 months

Exposed: A study revealed a fifth of NHS trusts were treating older patients so appallingly they were breaking the law

They will also make it clear that every patient with dementia must be looked after by at least one doctor or nurse who is properly trained in treating the condition

Mr Lansley said: ‘The NHS often delivers excellent care. But we’ve also seen some really shocking examples of vulnerable people being treated really badly by the NHS recently. This cannot go on – and the NHS knows something serious must be done to root out poor care.

‘We must see improvements for people with dementia, particularly in the care they get in hospitals. It will often be in their best interests to be treated at home.

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Elderly should be treated at home instead of hospital, says Health Secretary Andrew Lansley